Drug users are well informed about the harms associated with the drugs they use, and perceive alcohol and tobacco to be amongst the most dangerous substances, according to a survey by UCL (University College London) and Imperial College London researchers. The findings, published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, suggest that the current system of classifying psychoactive drugs in the UK may need to be revisited.

And by you, we obviously mean your friends and family, not actual FTL listeners. Even for a grizzled old government/media distruster like this one, there was some new and refreshing stuff here about how little there really is to be terrified of out there in the world. Bottom line: all the fear-mongering and violence is unnecessary.

Why is the War on Drugs lost? It reflects our failure to learn from history. Drug prohibition has all the characteristics of other well-intentioned, yet counterproductive, government programmes. Specifically, the drug war causes crime; it corrupts the police; it violates civil liberties; it throws good money after bad; and it weakens – even destroys – families, neighbourhoods, and communities.

Libertarians in Minnesota have posted an extensive report on the importance of ending Drug Prohibition, discussing history, statistics, and the principles of liberty. If you're skeptical about legalizing drugs, or if you support it but want more arguments to make against the drug warriors, this is a must-read!

The Wall Street Journal today published an in-depth review of a new, relatively unknown program run by the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). Although we have been warning about the dangers of the program for months, and I testified before Congress about the issue in July, the Journal’s story conveys how controversial the program was even inside the government. It also describes the broad scope of new authority the government is granting itself.

I'm pretty sure the cop will still do exactly as he pleases and file charges against this kid without him even knowing what the charges are/were. But still, it was a nice 30 second watch. Putting cops on camera is something you hear about all the time on FTL :)